Sending greeting cards at Christmas time is a tradition for many people, and the Callaway Courier hosted a contest that put a twist on that custom. We asked students in Mrs. Nicole Rush’s fourth-grade class to pick a local business, and then draw a Christmas greeting card depicting that business.

The five fourth-graders made judging the cards difficult, as they did a great job with their drawings. It was a fun way to connect Callaway’s school and business community - and who doesn’t enjoy celebrating the joy of the season with our young budding artists? And of course, the kids loved getting cold hard cash for their efforts!

Callaway Public Schools dismissed for the holidays on Thursday, Dec. 19. Classes will resume on Monday, Jan. 6. During the break there will also be a very light activities schedule, due in part to a mandatory moratorium for all Nebraska schools.

Both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams will participate in a holiday tournament this weekend, and the girls' wrestling team will compete in North Platte on Saturday. Those are the only events scheduled during the break.

The Callaway Chamber of Commerce also hosted a Christmas contest promoting creativity, only with lights and decorations rather than drawing. Nominations were submitted by community members for the Best Yard of Cheer, and on Friday, Dec. 20, Doug and Karen Snider were announced as the first-place winners in a tight race. Red and Peg Hendricks came in second. The Sniders were awarded $50 in Chamber Bucks, and the Hendricks’ $25 in Chamber Bucks for their efforts.